How Long Does It Take To Visit The Biltmore Hotel

Published March 11, 2025

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Biltmore Estate is an estate of Châteauesque-style that is the biggest privately owned home in the US.

So, how long does it take to visit the Biltmore hotel? Read on to find out!

What is the Biltmore Estate?

The Biltmore Estate stands as a museum within a tourist attraction and historic house located in Asheville, USA.

Its primary residence, Biltmore Mansion (also known as Biltmore House), is an estate of Châteauesque-style constructed for George Vanderbilt II from 1889 to 1895, and as stated earlier, is the biggest privately held home in the US.

It features a floor space of 178,926 square feet (16622.8 m2) and a living space of 135,280 square feet (12568 m2).

Now owned by the heirs of George Vanderbilt, it continues to be one of the Gilded Age mansions’ most notable representations.

How to Get to the Biltmore Hotel and Estate

The Biltmore Estate and Hotel can be found on Asheville's southern side, North Carolina.

In case you're arriving from outside the state, the most efficient way to reach Asheville is through the provincial airport that offers flights from numerous major cities.

Asheville is located between the nearby cities of Knoxville and Charlotte.

Charlotte lies to the eastern side, whereas Knoxville is positioned to the western side, with both cities approximately two hours apart by car.

Best Time for Visiting the Biltmore Estate

Seasonality significantly influences your experience at Biltmore House.

In the winter season, guests can anticipate elaborate Christmas displays across the grounds.

Then, a trip in the autumn will provide great opportunities for those interested in admiring fall foliage.

Alternatively, think about a trip in the springs when the estate's gardens are blossoming.

Also, the House features various events like live music and art exhibits year-round, so it's advisable to consult the estate's website when organizing your visit.

How Long To Visit The Biltmore Hotel?

The duration of your stay in the Biltmore Hotel and House is your choice since your stay is at your own pace.

The House's Audio Guide lasts about an hour though I suggest you set aside two hours in order to completely enjoy the splendor and beauty of this US’s Largest Home.

In fact, if you intend to truly absorb the atmosphere and listen to most of their audio tour, you could spend more than two hours exploring the house.

Also, don't forget to allocate extra time in case you intend to pause for meals, or coffee, or explore the shops near Biltmore House at their stables side after finishing your tour.

Note that a free Biltmore Winery wine tasting is part of your House ticket, though if you intend to utilize this complimentary benefit, you'll have to make another reservation at this winery and use extra time.

What to Expect in the Biltmore Estate and Hotel

Guests at the Biltmore Estate can anticipate a rather extended drive throughout the estate.

While taking this drive, you will begin to understand the estate's vastness and the huge effort needed to upkeep the property.

You should note that Biltmore House remains separate from Biltmore Hotel.

These two structures are situated in separate estate grounds areas.

While driving back to Biltmore House, you’ll encounter Biltmore Hotel along with other estate amenities.

Although you cannot dwell in the main house currently, the hotel serves as an excellent choice for visitors from afar seeking a deeper Biltmore experience.

Following a picturesque drive around the estate, you'll finally reach the parking lots designated for the House.

After parking, you may either take one of those shuttles that frequently pick up visitors from their parking area or stroll to the Biltmore House.

As you near the house, you will stroll through the fountain section and spacious courtyard that guides you to the house entrance.

Then, when you reach the entrance zone, you'll be asked to show your tickets, briefed on the rules of the house, and informed about how to operate your audio device for the tour.

There are also guided tours available if that's preferable for you, but it's necessary to reserve in advance in order to make sure the property will be able to host your party.

As soon as you step into the house, you will easily grasp why it draws countless visitors annually.

Its interior is richly adorned with artwork, photographs showcasing the property’s heritage, and elaborate furniture typically found in European castles.

The Biltmore is not only beautifully adorned, but you will also notice that it was designed to function more like a nice resort than a residence.

Its property features a space for every conceivable use, such as a salon, banquet hall, numerous guest rooms, bowling alley, library, underground pool, and many additional facilities.

Casual dining options can be found in the stable section just beyond the House and these are excellent choices for those not residing at Biltmore Hotel.

Then, for visitors lodging at Antler Hill Village's hotel, there are additional formal dining choices offered.

In fact, pictures hardly capture the Biltmore vastness; it’s an experience you must have in person to fully appreciate.

Things to Explore in Biltmore Estate

Bass Pond

To enjoy a long stroll, head towards Bass Pond in order to discover a quieter and more romantic spot, particularly at their Boat House.

During summer and spring, the Meadow Trail here showcases grasses and wildflowers, whereas Woodland Trail remains vibrant with azaleas during the spring.

Engage in physical activity with your pet in Biltmore’s expansive, pet-friendly yard spanning thousands of acres.

Antler Hill Village

The village offers a tranquil setting for eating, shopping, and discovering more about Biltmore's history—a perfect stop following your tour of the house.

It's a short stroll from the House to this village by the lovely French Broad River.

Here, you'll discover the Farm and The Winery, then experience live performances on Village Green.

Also, explore the historic barn and visit the unique exhibits that change at the stunning Legacy.

This is a starting point for every outdoor activity, including the LandRover Driving School.

Then, lodge at one of these hotels; the Inn inside Biltmore Estate or the nice Village Hotel.

Conservatory

Next to Biltmore Estate's Walled Garden lies a year-round tropical paradise featuring a large collection of orchids.

Here, you’ll sense that you’re escaping from the noise and chaos of the remainder of the Biltmore Estate property.

Outdoors

There is a lot to discover outside the Biltmore such as a greenway and numerous excellent hiking paths.

At the beautiful Outdoor Adventure Centre, register for a variety of outdoor activities, such as carriage rides, biking, horseback riding, sporting clays, falconry, river excursions, and beyond.

Biltmore Restaurants

Numerous dining options are available on-site the Biltmore Estate during your stay and they are all open daily throughout the week.

As all of them are situated within the Estate, you will require a ticket in order to access them.

Gardens

From the Biltmore residence, stroll through the gardens and estate grounds created by Frederick Olmsted, a famous landscape architect and the person who played a key role in defining the appearance of New York's late-nineteenth-century and Central Park greenery.

Here, the vibrant and gorgeous Italian Gardens's reflecting pools serve as an appropriate gateway into a breathtaking realm of garden trails.

Then, a brief stroll further brings you straight to the Walled Garden which is four acres, Spring Garden, and Azalea Garden.

Farm

You can discover Biltmore's farming legacy at the Antler Hill Farm, located next to the Antler Hill Village.

Alongside exhibitions of vintage agricultural machinery in this remarkable 1902 barn, you will encounter draft horses, chickens, calves, and lambs at this Farmyard.

The House

Discover Biltmore House's marvel, the biggest privately held mansion in the United States, featuring an invaluable assortment of antiques and art that are original to Vanderbilt's residence.

That is alongside one bowling alley, pristine fireplaces, and additional amenities within this Gilded Age estate.

As the house offers an audio self-guided experience, I suggest obtaining the audio guide immediately upon entering.

Also, try to set aside a minimum of 2 hours for this self-directed house tour.

Then, once you finish exploring the Biltmore House, check out the shops or take a break with drinks at their Stable Courtyard.

Stable Café here is excellent for salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

Winery

Experience a self-directed winery excursion and taste the wines of the Estate in their Tasting Room (two of them are included with your ticket).

Also, enjoy a meal at the stunning Bistro, explore cooking demonstrations, and delight in unique wine classes.

Then, for an exclusive experience, join Vine to Wine's Guided Tour and unwind at the Bar located under the tower of the clock.

This winery remains open till 8 pm, making it an excellent place to relax after a hectic day of sightseeing.

Picture Spot

Biltmore House's good perspective is down the path to their winery from the Biltmore House.

Here, watch out for the Lagoon (small lake) on the left side.

Also, at the distant end, there’s a slender dirt road that goes over a little bridge, offering a breathtaking view of Biltmore House's rear.

Can You Stay at Biltmore Estate?

You cannot reside in the House itself though you can reside in the Biltmore Hotel.

Nonetheless, there are various accommodation choices present across the estate that’ll suit your budget.

Also, you can stay at the Antler Hill Village Hotel which is aimed at budget-minded travelers, though their accommodation prices are somehow expensive.

Then, the Inn also is viewed as an upscale accommodation choice while those wanting to indulge in a lavish experience should consider the Biltmore Cottages.

I suggest reaching out to these hotels beforehand to inquire about their discounts and promotions, or if you have questions about your stay.

Tips for Visiting the Biltmore Estate

• Become engaged and try renting bicycles or horseback riding.
• Keep in mind that you can explore more than 70 acres of stunning Asheville countryside when you're not inside visiting the house or winery.
• In case your children are selective eaters, there's a McDonald's that is castle-themed and located just outside the estate's entrance - it's similar to a small Biltmore.
• Pick up your morning coffee at Starbucks located just outside the entrance.
• If you’ve previously visited the Biltmore and don’t want to experience “everything” once more, think about opting for another tour.
• You cannot re-enter the estate on another day without purchasing a full-day, complete ticket at full price, therefore, truly maximize your day while you are inside.
• There is one gift shop located to the entrance's left, outside the grounds, and no ticket is required to enter the shop, making it the ideal spot to pick up a few additional gifts or mementos without needing another day pass.
• There's also a small wine-tasting station and a shop for purchasing bottles along with bubble wrap protectors so you can take the experience home.
• You may exit and return on that same day in case you wish to return home to relax or have dinner off-site before you come back.
• There are many vacation rentals accessible in the lovely mountain towns nearby as well as numerous classic hotels in the downtown area of Asheville.
• The Smoky Mountain Resort is situated in Gatlinburg, less than 2 hours away from Biltmore Estate, and it serves as the ideal starting point if Biltmore is merely one amongst your numerous experiences in the Smoky Mountain.
• At the stable café, you will get lunch featuring Appalachian comfort cuisine such as barbecue and burgers.
• The Bistro showcases locally sourced and estate-raised ingredients, featuring wood-fired pizzas and artisanal pasta, with meals at noon and in the evening daily.
• The Cedric’s Tavern is a pub offering craft beers, a complete bar, and seating outside.
• Courtyard Market close to Biltmore Estate provides fast sandwiches, while the IceCream Parlor features ready-to-go picnic options.
• Nestled within the new Antler Hill Village Hotel, the Village Social’s menu highlights sustainable seafood alongside local farm ingredients.
• You should indulge in sundaes and ice cream at The Creamery.
• The Biltmore Inn’s Dining Room is the estate's most sophisticated dining experience featuring Forbes 4-Star cuisine and service, with a buffet for breakfast and evening meals.
• The Smoke-House Food Truck is situated inside the Barn, offering Southern delights and Carolina barbecue.
• Ensure you spend enough time discovering the estate and consider allocating a day or maybe even 2.
• Library Lounge is a refined atmosphere within the Biltmore Estate Inn offering a complete afternoon tea service.
• The busiest times in the estate are the Saturdays in December, November, October, May, and April.
• Ensure you use highly comfortable footwear for walking.
• Numerous dates particularly around Christmas time are booked up ahead of time.
• If you reach the estate post 4:30 in the evening, your ticket can be verified for the following day at their Ticket and Reception Center - you may also typically include an extra day for an excellent rate.
• Try to have a car as the journey from the gate entrance to the Biltmore House is 3 miles and it's an additional 5 miles to their Winery.
• Get to the estate ahead of time in order to steer clear of crowds and maximize your day.
• One can visit the shop outside Biltmore House to get a picnic for taking away or pack a picnic - the Estate offers numerous excellent picnic locations.
• The Biltmore area is ideal for taking your pets for a walk, but remember to hold them on a secure leash at every time.
• Animals are prohibited within the house or any other Estate structures like the winery, eateries, and stores.
• Take advantage of extra discounts by buying your tickets online.
• With daytime admission, you'll have access to tours of Antler Hill, the House, Gardens, and Winery.
• You can save by buying an Annual Pass of 12 months.
• The primary entry/ticket office to the Biltmore residence is 3 miles away.
• Biltmore Estate is accessible every day of the week, all 365 days annually, though the hours differ at various locations across the Estate.
• The difference from Antler Hill Village and Winery to the Main Entrance is 2 miles.